Vexed Bermoothes

On Friday night, debate in the House of Assembly was rapidly wound up after Opposition MP Patricia Gordon Pamplin criticised Government’s mishandling of the Berkeley performance bond which has cost the taxpayer more than $15 million dollars.

PLP MPs threw an absolute screaming hissy, giving the Speaker the opportunity to close the debate.

I’d like to remind everyone exactly what the House’s “job” is in Bermuda:

The main functions of the Legislature are:

a. To pass laws.
b. To provide, by taxation, the means of carrying on the work of Government.
c. To scrutinize Government policy and administration, particularly proposals for expenditure.

In discharging these functions, the Legislature helps to bring the relevant facts and issues before the electorate.

By suppressing legitimate debate over the controversial mismanagement of Government expenditure, the House is failing in its duty to the public.

Like many, I am beginning to suspect that Bermuda’s Parliament is a bit of a joke.  It’s a pity that most people will never know, given the lack of public agendas and transcripts for the House.  Do we get “relevant facts and issues” or just overheated spin and personal animosity from the Hill?